Renew an Old Saree with Screen Printing and Kundan Work
Do you have a plain saree lying in your wardrobe that you no longer wear? Instead of discarding it, why not renew an old saree with a fresh makeover? That’s exactly what I did with this black saree – and the result is both elegant and unique. With a combination of screen printing motifs and sparkling Kundan embellishments, a simple plain saree has been transformed into a festive and stylish drape. This is my Aunt’s saree. Here is the final makeover of the saree:
The renew of an old saree
Choosing the Base Saree
The base fabric is a soft black saree with a magenta pallu. Black offers a perfect canvas for experimenting with prints and embellishments because the colors stand out beautifully. The magenta adds vibrance and balances the dark tone, making the saree suitable for evening occasions.
The Screen Printing Process
Screen printing is one of the best ways to add life to plain fabrics. For this saree, I selected circular floral motifs in golden yellow. The golden screen print adds a touch of tradition and richness, while the repeated motifs bring uniformity and rhythm to the design. The border has circular motifs. So I screen printed this with circular motifs and attached kundans.
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Placement of motifs: The motifs were scattered across the body of the saree, giving it a balanced but not overly heavy look.
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Choice of design: Small floral medallions were chosen as they complement both casual and festive occasions.
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Borders: A contrast pink-gold border enhances the drape and frames the motifs beautifully.
The motifs
Adding Kundan for Extra Sparkle
To elevate the look further, I attached Kundan stones at the center of the screen-printed motifs. This simple step turned the flat prints into three-dimensional highlights. The Kundans catch light and add a festive shimmer, making the saree perfect for weddings, receptions, or festivals.
Styling and Color Combination
The black base with golden prints creates a timeless charm. The magenta pallu introduces boldness, while the golden border ties the whole look together. Pair this saree with:
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A golden blouse for a classic festive look
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A magenta blouse for a coordinated, bold style
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Statement earrings or a Kundan choker to match the embellishments
This project shows how easily you can renew an old saree with creativity and a few techniques like screen printing and Kundan work. Instead of investing in a brand-new saree, a simple makeover can give your wardrobe a stylish, personalized piece with a story to tell.
